Ohio

The mission of Special Olympics Ohio is to provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics contributes to the physical, social, and psychological development of the athletes. Through successful experiences in sports, they gain confidence and build a positive self-image which carries over into the classroom, home, job and community.

The Power of Sport. For every Special
Olympics athlete, there are many more waiting for their
chance. Help us reach one more person who wants to
participate. Download Program Fact Sheet

Special Olympics Ohio has approximately 200 local member organizations and over 24,000 athletes who are in training and competition. These organizations originate from County Boards of MR/DD, public schools, developmental centers, parks and recreation departments, churches and parent and community groups.

Sports and CompetitionSpecial Olympics Ohio hosts seven state events every year and our local organizations host about 75. State competitions include Golf, Bowling, Aquatics, Softball, Winter Games, Basketball, Summer Games. See all of our upcoming sports events.

If you know someone interested in competing for Special Olympics Ohio, please contact our office or go to our website to find your area’s point of contact.

Get Involved TodayOur organization is run almost entirely by volunteers. Over 12,000 individuals donate their time each year to provide the sports training and competition opportunities across the state. Special Olympics Ohio depends on these volunteers for our state competitions and our local programs keep many volunteers busy as coaches and partners. Volunteer today!

Special Olympics Ohio runs several fundraisers throughout the year to support our events. We highly encourage people to attend and/or participate in these events. Fundraiser events range from our energetic and exciting Polar Plunges to a night at the Cleveland Indians’ baseball game. Join us at an event!

Whether you are interested in coaching, officiating or assisting with an event, we have ample opportunities for you to get involved with Special Olympics Ohio. We hope to see you at one of our sporting or fundraising events soon! Check out our pictures from our past events.

News and Stories

Upcoming Events

Areas Served

Adams County, Allen County, Ashland County, Ashtabula County, Athens County, Auglaize County, Belmont County, Brown County, Butler County, Carroll County, Champaign County, Clark County, Clermont County, Clinton County, Columbiana County, Coshocton County, Crawford County, Cuyahoga County, Darke County, Defiance County, Delaware County, Erie County, Fairfield County, Fayette County, Franklin County, Fulton County, Gallia County, Geauga County, Greene County, Guernsey County, Hamilton County, Hancock County, Hardin County, Harrison County, Henry County, Highland County, Hocking County, Holmes County, Huron County, Jackson County, Jefferson County, Knox County, Lake County, Lawrence County, Licking County, Logan County, Lorain County, Lucas County, Madison County, Mahoning County, Marion County, Medina County, Meigs County, Mercer County, Miami County, Monroe County, Montgomery County, Morgan County, Morrow County, Muskingum County, Noble County, Ottawa County, Paulding County, Perry County, Pickaway County, Pike County, Portage County, Preble County, Putnam County, Richland County, Ross County, Sandusky County, Scioto County, Seneca County, Shelby County, Stark County, Summit County, Trumbull County, Tuscarawas County, Union County, Van Wert County, Vinton County, Warren County, Washington County, Wayne County, Williams County, Wood County, Wyandot County